Identity theft is a problem that isn't going away anytime soon. With more than 11 million victims in the U.S. in 2009, it's a very real problem that can become an even bigger hassle during the holiday shopping season, when we are busier (and more distracted) than usual and hunting for a good deal.

While thieves often often use a victim's identity for credit card fraud, they'll also use it to get a job or to receive health care, according to CreditCards.com. Thieves also don't care whether a victim has good credit or bad, as long as they can use their good name to commit fraud they'll be happy to steal their identity.

Sexy models have been luring customers to register as bone marrow donors. Sounds like a good thing for a good cause, right?

But the New Hampshire attorney general said when would-be donors took the bait, they, or their insurance companies, were charged up to $4,300 for a test that was supposed to be free.

Rent two movies and get the third movie free at any Blockbuster Express kiosk now through Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010. Use coupon code HHBBX. If you keep the movies more than one night, however, you are on the hook for the standard nightly rate of $1 plus tax. Put three movies in your cart before redeeming the coupon code.

Blockbuster Express movie machines are stocked with lots of holiday DVDs, including Disney's A Christmas Carol (PG), Rudolph & Santa Double Feature (NR), Four Christmases (PG13), Santa Buddies (NR), The Christmas Clause (NR), and Dog Who Saved Christmas (PG)

Caveats: not valid on Blu-Ray or Hot Titles. One per customer.

Check back later today and through the week for more great deals at WalletPop.

The Silly Bandz trend is dead -- and not just because USA Today declares it so. I knew it months ago when the cry-fests at home, otherwise known as Silly Bandz counting between my 4-year-old son and 7 year-old daughter, ended as suddenly as Indian Summer. These once-precious commodities -- colorful rubber bands shaped like animals and other things -- began gathering dust on tables, under couches and in planters. I even found a few in my building's lobby, lying on the faux marble like fish that had jumped the bowl.

Instead of tossing the elastic dealybobs into the trash bin of forgotten grade-school fads, I say we parents put them to work. Here are five grown-up uses for Silly Bandz, just in time for the holidays:

U.S. vehicles out-numbered those marketed by foreign-based competitors for North American Car and Truck of the Year consideration.

The awards, voted on by 49 North American auto industry journalists from various media outlets, is considered more valuable and objective than awards given by single media outlets that are dependent on auto industry advertising. The award will be given out next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

November was a disappointing month for job seekers. The unemployment rate inched up to 9.8%, with only 39,000 jobs added in the private sector, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surprising many experts and highlighting how slow the recovery has been for many Americans.

Still, jobs can be found in health care, information technology and education, according to job search website Indeed.com. Royce Brubacher, an Army transporter for five years, proves that persistence and a willingness to switch careers can pay off.

In a letter sent to dietary supplement manufacturers this week, the Food and Drug Administration addressed escalating concerns about undeclared or deceptively labeled ingredients in products marketed as "natural" alternatives to prescription drugs. The letter comes after nearly 300 consumer alerts and numerous consumer complaints of injury associated with the substances.

A string of recalls due to marketers' failure to disclose dangerous ingredients, which can be harmful when taken in combination with other drugs, have highlighted the risks to consumers seeking alternative treatments that claim prescription-strength results.

Keeping track of the latest product and food recalls can be a challenge, so Consumer Ally has collected them in one place for you to check each week.

Here is this week's roundup of recalls:

Want to give a living, breathing gift for Christmas?

Here are a few low-cost pets to ponder for the holidays. Unlike dogs or cats, which can run up big bills and require care your family might not be ready to provide, the following critters won't take a big bite out of your budget or lifestyle, according to our experts.

While you may be focused on taking advantage of free shipping deals today there are other freebies that you should be taking advantage of all year long.

Free Credit Score
Your credit score -- the numerical summary of how much you owe and how promptly you pay your bills -- is a three-digit number (from 300 to 850) that is looked at by everyone from lenders to landlords, employers to cell phone companies. In other words, it's important. And while there are several unethical sites that promise you this score - for free - only to gouge you after the fact, stick with the tried and true: quizzle.com or CreditKarma.com.